Panthers of ISKL #302: Karen Chen - The IB Top Scorer
One important piece of advice for those studying the IB is to pay more attention to your Internal Assessments (IA). Most IAs will be completed before the chaos that comes with the weeks preceding the real IB exams, so while you have the time, spend more time on the IAs!
Step into the world of ISKL alumni Karen Chen (‘25), who recently scored an exceptional 44 out of 45 on her IB Diploma, a feat that is a testament to her dedication and hard work. From living in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Malta, to residing in Kuala Lumpur, her journey is as impressive as her academic achievements.
Here she shares invaluable advice on how to navigate the challenges of the IB and offers a glimpse into her life after graduation, her transition to university life in Milan, Italy, and her inspiring personal philosophy.
Here is Karen’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I’m from the Netherlands, although I have also lived in New Zealand and Malta before moving to Kuala Lumpur. I joined ISKL in 2018 when I was about to enter Grade 6.
Congrats on scoring 44 on the IB. Do you have any advice for our Class of 2026, who are currently pursuing the IB?
Coming from personal experience, one important piece of advice for those studying the IB is to pay more attention to your Internal Assessments (IA). Most IAs will be completed before the chaos that comes with the weeks preceding the real IB exams, so while you have the time, spend more time on the IAs!
Another piece of advice is to use the spaced repetition study technique for the IB exams; it really helps with retaining information over a long period of time. Personally, I use flashcards for memory-heavy subjects like biology, and instead of reviewing or memorizing by writing down the same notes again and again, I prefer speaking them out loud. It’s a faster and more efficient technique that allows me to review more content in a small amount of time.
Also, get rid of any distractions. Shut down your phone, give it to your parents to keep it, or delete social media apps for the time period, just do anything it takes to step towards your goal, no matter how ridiculous it may seem!
Please share your experiences after graduating from ISKL. What have you been up to during the holiday break?
During the summer holidays, I went back to Europe and I’ve mostly been relaxing, spending time with my family before I have to go off to university. It feels weird having so much free time, but I love it.
We understand that you are currently studying Economics and Finance at Bocconi University in Italy. How has your experience been so far?
It’s been an amazing time so far, I’ve met great people, eaten great food, and am enjoying my slow days before classes pick up and studying resumes. Even though university is quite different from high school, I like the change! I’m also very grateful for having the opportunity to explore a new city and settle down here in Milan.
Do you have any thoughts on your career pathway?
I think it might be a bit early to be sure about what I’m going to do in the future, but it's definitely something in the investment banking realm.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
I think the person who should inspire you the most is yourself. I always think about times in the past where I was working hard on something that I wanted to achieve, which motivates me to work even harder because I know that I can do it, because I’ve done it before, and that I can continue to grow and not fall behind. Even the thought of a “future me” inspires me to be diligent in working towards the positive image of myself that I’ve created for the future!
Which Panther are you?
🐾 The Most Onz Panther – (Onz means nothing is impossible)
Share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I’m the Most Onz Panther because I believe that if you truly want something, you will do whatever it takes to achieve it. At the beginning of High School, I would’ve never thought that I’d actually work hard and stop procrastinating, but here I am! Unless you want to teleport or to shapeshift, nothing is impossible!
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because… it has been my home for the most important seven years of my life. It has definitely shaped me into the person I am today, giving me some of my dearest friends and memories that I want to cherish for life. ISKL is the school that I have stayed in the longest out of any school I’ve attended, and I don’t regret it. Every part of my school day, seeing my teachers, my friends, going to class, learning, and even taking the bus to and from school every day are moments that I will miss and often think about now that I’m in university.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
It’s so difficult to pick just one moment, but I would have to say the last day of Grade 12, when we were signing each other's uniforms, having fun with our friends, but simultaneously feeling fear and anxiety over what comes next. I remember coming home and feeling empty and lost, knowing that I had just finished the last day ever of hiking up to the 4th floor for Spanish class, of complaining over how long the biology slides are, of dozing off during Theory of Knowledge (ToK). Every night after that, it kept me awake, the feeling of it truly being over. The school days that I had “dreaded” waking up for at 6:00 am every morning are what turned out to be the days that I now miss the most.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
I think this phrase highlights three important things. Ourselves, the people that represent us, and the world that we live in. I think knowing ourselves is the most important thing because by knowing ourselves, what we love, and what we stand for, these are things that make us who we are. Without knowing ourselves, it’s hard to know other people, and for other people to know you. After this is achieved, we can turn to the others, recognize their wants and needs, and care for them just as we care for ourselves, representing our shared humanity. Then, by creating a better world, we can leave an environment for the next generation to learn how to know themselves and care for others.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.